The reform of special schools was launched this morning with the presentation of a consultation document proposing the transformation of Malta’s four schools into a system providing primary education through to post secondary.

Educational services director Micheline Sciberras told a news conference that the schools - San Miguel, Helen Keller, Guardian Angel and Dun Manwel Attard, would be incorporated within a college and collaborate with mainstream educational institutions.

The reform document notes that, currently, all four had to cater for the different levels of education - primary, secondary and post secondary, putting a strain on specialisation and resources.

This was failing to provide students with different experiences according to the different phases in their life. There were also insufficient opportunities for students, teachers and other support staff to liaise with mainstream schools to share good practices and experiences.

Moreover, 25 percent of students were over 19 years and should be attending day centres.

The reform is proposing that San Miguel is transformed into a school focusing on primary education, Guardian Angel on secondary, Helen Keller on post secondary and Dun Manwel Attard into a young adult education resource centre.

San Miguel and Guardian Angel would also offer specialised services to students who required such services but were in mainstream schools in all colleges.

The four schools were currently attended by198 students aged between 4 and 22. Through the re-organisation some students would have to move school but the move would be carefully monitored and planned out with family and professionals.

Education Minister Dolores Cristina said this reform was the next logical step for inclusive education.

The present system had a lot of positive elements with many students with a disability being in mainstream education, she said.

The minister encouraged people to give their feedback on the reform, which should start being implemented in the next scholastic year. It would take at least two years for its full implementation. The consultation period is until August 15.

Comments should be e-mailed to: reform-special-schs.medc@gov.mt or sent to Riforma Skejjel Specjali, Dipartiment Servizzi ghall-Istudent, Triq Gaetano Pace Forno, Hamrun HMR1100.